Page 4 of A Kingdom of Broken Bonds

I’ve had a long time to mull over the prophecy, having heard it many times during my life. All angles and choices of words have been examined, and many scholars have theorised regarding its meaning, yet no one really has any answers. It makes me believe that someone is out to kill me, so I’ve spent many years learning to defend myself.

During my times at Drath City, the other brides and I have always been kept separate and encouraged not to mingle. We had lessons together as younglings, but as we grew, we were separated more often until the only time we were able to mingle was at official events. I would see glimpses of them in the castle, but other than a few words of greeting to each other, we quickly moved on. I’ve never quite understood why this is the case when we’re supposedly going to maintain peace over the land together.

However, I’ve never spoken out over this rule, and becoming close with them has always been a risky move. Brides have died over the years. It seems the prophecy protects us, but only the ones who are chosen. Initially, it was assumed that all of the chosen girls would be the same age, but the prophecy never specified when the girls would be chosen. When one of the girls dies, another is chosen in hopes of her being the one. Of course, there are a few exceptions, such as myself. The prophecy is very clear that I need to stay alive, so I am guarded at all times for my own safety.

Due to the curse of their responsibility, the brides from the beasts tend to die quickly after they reach adolescence, unable to control their inner animal. Several of the other brides have also been unstable over the years, so it’s generally safer to stick to myself.

“Are you ready for what awaits us?”

My advisor’s voice breaks through my thoughts, bringing me back to the present. I glance over at him, surprised by the question.

“I’m well aware of my responsibilities, Geoff, don’t fret.”

His expression softens slightly, something I’ve rarely ever witnessed from him. “Of that I have no doubt, Miss Anthea. I was merely checking on your emotional well-being.”

Disbelief strikes me mute, and I can only blink dumbly as I try to process his words. Amusement works its way through me until a smile begins to pull at the corners of my lips.

“Oh, Geoff,” I coo, leaning back in my seat as I take him in, still bowled over with surprise, “are you worried about me?”

He scoffs, his usual stoic expression returning, yet there’s still a twinkle in his eye that gives him away. “Worried that you might trip over your large feet and embarrass our entire land.”

I can’t help but chuckle quietly. I tripped over my feet one time when I was being presented to the king as a child, and Geoff has never let me forget it. Pressing my hand against my chest, I feel my heart beat sluggishly. “I didn’t realise you cared so much.”

His expression turns serious, all traces of humour gone. “You have been my charge your entire life. My only purpose is to train you and make sure you complete your fate. Don’t confuse my sense of duty for care.”

He might sound like he’s scolding me, his tone snappish, but vampires aren’t the most affectionate of creatures, and I’ve learned to spot the signs of hidden emotions. He might pretend otherwise, but Geoff cares more than he outwardly shows and would ever admit it. In fact, showing emotions in Trador is akin to showing weakness, so he’s probably offended that I’d even think this of him. Besides, it’s better that people believe he doesn’t care for me anyway—it’s safer for both of us.

Before I can say anything or tease him further, he sits upright in his seat, his shrewd eyes narrowing on something outside the carriage. “We’re at the gates, prepare yourself.”

We’re here.

Nerves try to claw their way up my throat, constricting tightly so any noise I might make would simply come out as a strangled cry. No, I have to control myself. Taking a deep breath, I focus on pushing my emotions back and presenting the stoic expression that is expected of me. This is more difficult than usual, thanks to the myriad of thoughts and emotions that circle in my mind like a hurricane.

I will not let them destroy me.

With that thought, I close my eyes and will myself into a sense of calm. Once I’ve achieved it, my eyes open, and I meet Geoff’s gaze, nodding once.

Chapter Three

As the first bride from the prophecy, I am the first to marry, but there is also another, very specific reason I’m getting married now. King Drath’s youngest son, Prince Havoc, is my true mate.

True mates are rare in our world, and as such, they are honoured and prized. They are a partner who is tied to your soul and predestined to be by your side for eternity, and it is something that many can only dream of. I discovered that Prince Havoc was my mate about a decade ago during one of my six month visits.

As a rule, the princes are kept away from the brides, only seeing them on official occasions we were required to attend. Our eyes met for the first time at one of these events, and the connection snapped into place between us. Although I had never felt anything like it before, a surety had blazed through me in that moment—we were mates. Every time I’ve seen him since, it was always from a distance, and I was unable to keep my eyes from him. Even though this was over ten years ago, I’ve still not been officially introduced to him, and part of me wonders if I’ll actually get to meet him before our wedding day.

The fact that we are mates has been taken as a sign from the stars that we’re from the prophecy, and the marriage must go ahead at all costs. It certainly makes things easier for the king, as we’re already predestined, and he has to do little with finding the right male to match me with. He also takes great pride in the fact that one of his sons is chosen, and takes every opportunity to remind us all and use it to affirm his status as king.

I wish I could view this as they do, that it’s an honour to be fated, but it feels more like a vice around my chest, getting tighter and tighter with each passing second. My choices have been stripped from me ever since the day I was born, and this is yet another I have no say in.

It’s strange to know that I have a mate and to feel the pull towards him, yet I have no emotional attachment to him. I don’t know this male, and any thoughts of a fairy-tale wedding died with my childhood when I was ripped from my mother’s arms to be brought to Drathlor City without her.

Unlike the rest of my people, I have always struggled to maintain distance and the mild mannerisms of the vampires. As a child, I was impulsive and wild. Emotions would build up within me so strongly that it was a struggle not to let them out. My tutors would tell me that it was not our way to be so liberal with our emotions, their disappointment clear on their faces.

Others began to notice my lack of control, and whispers began to circulate. My mother eventually pulled me aside and explained that what I was experiencing were feelings, and that vampires keep theirs hidden. I once asked my mother if everyone had feelings like I do and just didn’t let them show. She told me that I was special, that I had a gift and experienced things others couldn’t, and that I shouldn’t tell anyone else and had to keep them hidden as best as I could.

At the time, I was proud of my emotions, even though I had to keep them hidden. Now, though, I know it isn’t a gift, but a curse, a constant burden that I attempt to keep locked away.

The carriage suddenly jerks, jolting me from my thoughts as we enter the tunnel that leads to Drathlor City.

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